Original subtitles

[The Unclouded Soul]

[Episode 14]

These clothes are so trashy.

I got hangnails.

What's all this stuff?

It's filthy.

The food is so awful.

Even my servants wouldn't eat this.

Exactly.

Wasn't our life in the celestial mountain supposed to be enjoyable?

We became laborers instead.

We were promised eternal youth.

But my skin is visibly getting worse.

Are you still eating?

If not, I'll take it all.

Go ahead.

What do you think

the next trial is about?

The first one was already so difficult.

I heard it's about needlework.

It's to see whose clothes

can satisfy Dreamshard Immortal.

I heard it's a test of skills.

We have to master etiquette, music, riding, and archery.

Oh, no.

I'm not proficient in any of these arts.

It doesn't matter if you're not proficient in them.

Didn't the immortal say

that anyone who passed the first trial

could already stay in the Realm of Mist and Void

and do chores?

What?

What?

I've come a long way to be here.

Instead of enjoying life at home,

I came here just to do chores?

Exactly.

How can I do chores?

It's dirty and exhausting.

I...

Whatever the second trial involves,

it demands both physical strength and mental effort.

Make sure you're well-fed

and well-rested.

That's better than useless speculation.

Look.

It looks worse.

What's wrong?

The scar on Pianpian's face is much more inflamed.

This is your doing, isn't it?

Don't talk nonsense.

That was the immortal dew bestowed by Immortal Lord.

Even though it was bestowed by Immortal Lord,

you must have added something to it.

Tell me. What did you add?

Don't tell anyone else.

Say it.

I just

added some oleander sap

and datura nectar.

The worst of her suffering

is yet to come.

Even if she's in agony,

she wouldn't dare ask Immortal Lord.

She could only express gratitude.

What's wrong with you?

What happened to your face?

It looks like it was poisoned.

I'm fine.

If this wound isn't cleaned promptly,

the scar will become deeper.

What does it matter if it's deep or shallow?

It's just an outer covering.

A woman should cherish her appearance.

Have you made up your mind?

Serve Immortal Lord.

Bearing the vengeance for my family and country,

I slew demons for the human realm.

But now, I'm being asked

to help demons hurt humans.

How could I possibly agree?

There's no real difference, actually.

In the human realm, you slay demons

to earn the Emperor's favor

for promotion and titles.

Even with bad luck,

you could still rely on the Feiyu Guard's name

to make life easier.

In the Realm of Mist and Void,

as long as you please Immortal Lord,

you can also earn favor.

If not,

you can just obey orders and survive.

As long as you avoid disobedience,

mistakes,

and affections,

you can still keep your miserable life.

Different positions,

but the same point.

But I slay demons

for righteousness

and the people.

All these years in the Realm of Mist and Void,

the people I've seen

have been enough to make me lose faith in human nature.

In the human realm, you must have faced

far more than I have.

How can you still be so naive?

Human nature

has its greed and depravity,

but there's also ultimate sacrifice.

I've seen both the utmost wickedness

and the purest kindness.

It seems

that you've been confined too long in the Realm of Mist and Void.

If one day

you have the chance,

you should go out

and see the vast world.

You can't even save yourself,

yet you still worry about me?

This is Lu's wish.

From the moment I entered the Realm of Mist and Void,

I never expected to leave alive.

I've told you all I needed to say to you.

I'll try my best to buy you more time.

But if Immortal Lord loses patience,

you and Tan'er

will have no chance of regret.

The wound on your face

looks more inflamed than it did last time.

Were you poisoned?

Take some petals

of roses and trumpet vines,

crush them, and apply them to the wound.

It'll reduce swelling and remove toxins.

I've seen

both types of flowers on the island.

Thank you.

I was just about to look for you.

This is for you.

This...

What's this?

It's ointment made from

5 types of flower petals.

It promotes blood circulation, removes blood stasis

clears heat, and removes toxins.

Apply it to your face,

and your wound will heal faster.

Why are you

being so nice to me?

Although you're from the Realm of Mist and Void,

I can see

that you still have a kind heart.

Besides, I picked these flowers here.

It's no bother at all.

No wonder Hong Ye cares for you so deeply.

You truly deserve it.

Hurry up and apply it.

These dishes again.

I'm so sick of it.

When is the second trial going to begin?

Yes.

It's like a knife hanging above our necks,

never falling,

yet terrifying enough to scare us to death.

Dali.

In the second trial,

can I follow you?

I think you'll definitely pass.

Why do you think I'll definitely pass?

If only one of us

can pass,

it must be you.

Can I follow you?

Sure.

Xiao Yao.

If only one person

can pass the second trial,

that must be me.

Good luck.

Immortal Lord, I pray for your blessing.

If I can successfully pass the trial,

I'll devote myself completely,

being your most outstanding disciple.

Little Leaf.

In the second trial,

you must protect Xiao Yao.

Among thousands of flowers in the flower sea,

why are you the most special one?

How do you have so much water?

When you were a human being,

you must have been a crybaby.

Xiao Yao.

The wound on your face looks much better.

Yes.

Thank you for your ointment.

I came to tell you

that the second trial begins tomorrow at 9 p.m.

in the east courtyard of the Biexin Courtyard.

The second trial

is full of mechanisms.

No one has ever passed it before.

Consider carefully whether you want to participate.

Thank you.

What's that sound?

It's so creepy.

This place is called the Courtyard of Summoned Mysteries.

It's normally closed to everyone.

Previously,

a woman

was betrayed by her companion

and died in this courtyard.

Because her resentment was so deep,

her vengeful spirit never dispersed.

This place

is like a stubborn miasma of the Realm of Mist and Void.

Your trial

is to find a way to dispel the vengeful spirit's resentment.

Once the trial begins,

the gate of the Courtyard of Mysteries will only open again

when the vengeful spirit disperses.

If the resentment isn't dispelled,

will the door remain closed forever?

Not necessarily.

If you all die,

the gate will open as well.

-What should we do? Let's go home. -It's okay. This wall isn't high.

At worst,

we can climb over it.

You can try.

You should think carefully.

If you give up now,

you can still be a kitchen maid on the island.

However,

you won't have the honor of serving Immortal Lord at her side.

This…

This…

If someone is late,

does it count as giving up?

I'll give you 30 minutes to consider.

Once the trial begins,

no one

will be able to enter or leave the Courtyard of Mysteries.

She's stalling for time,

clearly waiting for Xiao Yao.

Dali.

I'd never left my chamber before.

I'm as weak as a kitten.

Can I follow you this time?

Dali.

This bracelet was bestowed on me by the Empress.

It's the only one of its kind.

I'd like to give it to you

as a token of our sworn sisterhood. Would you accept it?

If it doesn't fit, then forget it.

It fits well.

This bracelet suits you well.

Dali.

Dali.

Dali, you're so clever.

You'll definitely find a way.

Dali.

Exactly.

Then

you'll have to listen to me later.

Okay.

-Okay. -Okay.

I'm not late, am I?

I thought you didn't want to participate in the trial.

How could that be?

I believe in myself, my friends,

but not in fate.

Someone claimed that I would lose.

So I'm determined to prove her wrong.

It's time.

All of you are in the courtyard,

so you've all decided to participate in the trial?

Very good.

Each of you has already distinguished yourself among a hundred.

However, in this trial,

rewards will be given based on merit.

Only one with the greatest merit

will earn Immortal Lord's favor.

The trial begins now.

Before this candle burns out,

if you still can't put the vengeful spirit to rest,

you'll remain here with her forever.

This...

This...

Take care, everyone.

The candle!

Hurry up. Come and protect the candle.

You cover this side.

Just guarding it like this isn't a solution.

What do you want to do?

What are you doing?

Put it back.

If the candle goes out, the task will also be count a failure.

Exactly.

Exactly.

You... Why are you taking the candle?

Put the candle down.

Or you'll get us all killed.

Come back!

Xiao Yao!

Come back!

Come back quickly!

Xiao Yao!

Hurry back!

Come back now!

The candle must not go out.

What is she trying to do?

What's she doing?

Xiao Yao!

Xiao Yao!

Xiao Yao!

There's clearly a door here.

What should we do, Dali?

Let's see what she's going to do.

What is she trying to do?

Right.

Xiao Yao, be careful!

It's so scary.

There's a door here. Come over.

There's a door. Look!

That's great!

Slow down.

Take it slow.

-Be careful. -Watch your step.

Dali!

Dali. I'm scared.

Let's all hold hands.

Don't get separated.

Dali.

Dali.

What's wrong?

What's wrong, Dali?

Dali.

Dali.

All of you come in.

Let's go.

Have them hold hands.

Hold hands.

Give me your hand.

Be careful.

Slow down.

Easy.

Watch out for the steps.

There are steps.

Careful.

Stay closer.

Seems like the trap was set too easy.

It doesn't matter.

This is just the beginning.

Move.

Why aren't you moving?

I want to move.

But I can't!

Why are your hands so sweaty?

It's disgusting.

I'm sorry.

Hurry up.

Move quickly!

Come on!

Hurry!

Quick!

If you want to get out, shut up.

Girl, don't panic.

First, lean against the wall.

Take a deep breath.

Turn sideways and come slowly.

Go.

Come on.

Careful.

Slowly.

Watch out!

Be careful.

They're lit.

It's working!

They lit up!

It's bright!

It's bright!

Great!

Let's go.

Don't block the way.

I'm sorry.

You look unfamiliar.

What's your name?

My name is Huang Ying.

Such a vulgar name.

You must be from a humble family.

As a woman,

how did you let yourself get so fat?

You have no regard for your appearance.

What rank is your father?

Where does he serve?

My father is highly favored by His Majesty,

but

I'm born of a concubine.

It was my mother...

My mother raised me all by herself.

No wonder you look so unsophisticated.

My father holds a second-rank position.

I've seen plenty of children like you—

born to lowborn women.

Your mother must be just a lowly servant.

Your mouth

is filthier than a latrine.

Say that again.

I'll say it again just the same.

You pride yourself on your noble birth,

yet your view of the world is painfully narrow.

Every day you just flaunt your family status

and throw your weight around.

In reality, you're just a parasite, living off others.

You lowborn trash,

how dare you speak to me disrespectfully!

Just try to touch me.

I know demonic arts.

It's all your fault!

Your stupidity is holding everyone back.

Are you okay?

Why didn't you dodge?

I'm fine.

I'm used to it.

Hit back.

If Huang Ying hits back,

it would be one slap.

If I do it for her,

who knows how many hits it would be?

Which do you choose?

Do you want to hit back yourself

or should I do it for you?

I'm fine.

Really, I'm fine.

You don't need to stand up for me.

Apologize now.

I'm sorry.

What's that sound?

The cry

comes from this zither.

[Wu]

[Gong]

Everyone be careful! Don't get hit by the light beams!

[Wu]

The Realm of Mist and Void

hasn't been this lively for a long time.

The way to solve this mechanism

is within this deadly formation.

If they remain agitated,

it will be hard to discover.

[Jue]

[Zhi]

Watch out!

Xiao Yao!

Help me, please!

Come on. Listen to me now.

Put your foot here.

You can place your hand here.

Give me that hand.

Duck your head.

Lean sideways.

One, two, three.

Good. Let's go.

This zither needs to drink blood.

How do you know that?

When the light beam was absorbing blood just now,

strings appeared on the zither.

So this zither must be the key.

It needs to drink blood to be complete.

However,

the blood it absorbed earlier was too little

to produce new strings.

Xiao Yao,

the two missing strings on the zither

must be found among these light beams.

I've been sickly since childhood

with a lack of energy and blood.

She who donates some

can have all my silver and gold.

What's the use of wealth when one's dead?

We must break this deadlock.

Since we all came here together,

why don't we each contribute some blood?

Sounds about right.

Who goes first?

Let's go by our fathers' or brothers' official ranks,

from lowest to highest,

starting with those related to low-level officials.

What if the blood from the first few is enough?

Then those who haven't donated

will profit without making an effort, right?

The Immortal Lord will assess us based on our merits.

Have you forgotten that rule?

But...

You go first!

My face!

I must've been disfigured!

No, it's not true.

Your face is fine.

Are you even human?

Her brother rose to power

with my father's support.

Let's say her blood

is a token of gratitude.

More blood is needed.

You're next!

I'm not going!

But you must!

No!

Just go!

Enough!

Off you go!

This place is already haunted by a vengeful spirit.

Don't you want a few more around?

We must figure out how these mechanisms work,

or we'll all end up dead here.

That doesn't justify taking a person's life!

Let's think of something else.

I don't want to die.

Dali, what should we do?

These light beams are coming the mirrors.

There must be something special about these mirrors.

[Zhi]

[Jue]

Dali, please think of something!

What should we do?

I want to go home.

Gong.

Shang.

Jue.

Zhi.

Wu.

Wen.

Yu.

These 7 characters are related to the guqin.

You're quite knowledgeable.

You bet I am.

Let me check it out.

Be careful, Xiao Yao.

Think of something!

What should we do?

Yeah, Dali.

It's so scary here.

[Gong]

Can someone

look at the characters on those mirrors?

Those mirrors?

I'll go!

Let's go.

Come help me.

Look.

It looks like the character "Shang," the second note of the Pentatonic scale.

The second one appears to be Jue, the third note.

The one after that seems like Zhi, the fifth note.

Indeed,

the mirror corresponds to the seven zither strings:

Gong, Shang, Jue, Zhi, Yu, Wen, Wu...

[Gong]

Watch out!

What are you trying to do?

You'll get us all killed!

This mechanism is treacherous—

if you match mirrors with the same character,

but with one of them flipped to its other side,

it will shift

all the mirrors

and change the light beams.

Moving the mirrors requires two people working together.

Now, who among you is willing to step up,

turn that "Gong" mirror

to face my side,

and gamble with me on this?

This mechanism

can only be solved only if everyone works together.

No matter how clever and capable Xiao Yao is,

it's useless

if she's held back by them.

They've always been suspicious and exclusive,

each lost in their own calculations—

scattered and divided.

No wonder they're trapped in this array.

I'll do it!

Xiao Yao,

if it hadn't been for you earlier,

I'd be dead already.

I'll take this gamble with you.

Be careful.

Xiao Yao.

[Gong]

[Gong]

[Gong]

It worked!

The light beams are gone.

Next one.

[Shang]

I can't reach it, Xiao Yao.

This…

Dali,

what should we do?

[Shang]

[Shang]

Great!

[Jue]

[Jue]

[Yu]

[Wen]

[Wu]

They cleared it this fast?

In previous trials,

71% couldn't get past this point.

Who said they cleared it?

If it were just the same old routine,

wouldn't that be boring?

We added some new twists—

just wait for what comes next.

All human hearts are scheming,

rife with deceit

and selfish gain—

who pities the souls that died wronged?

They yearn to break their chains,

to find in a song's final note their lasting peace.

She wants to hear a melody that can soothe her resentment.

What's so hard about that?

I used to listen to the birds sing every day—

I know plenty of lovely melodies.

But the zither strings aren't all gathered yet—

how can we play anything good?

Wait!

Stop, Dali!

I can't stop!

Oh no,

the candles are about to go out!

Mind the candles!

Be careful!

Xiao Yao!

Watch out!

Look out!

Make Dali stop now!

It hurts!

Help her!

Slow down!

Are you okay?

Dali!

Time to serve

the extra course.

Xiao Yao!

Xiao Yao!

Xiao Yao!

What do we do, Xiao Yao?

Dali!